Kapamilya actor Gerald Anderson has recently been promoted from Auxiliary Commander to Auxiliary Captain within the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA).
CONGRATULATIONS, CAPTAIN GERALD!🫡 Actor Gerald Anderson was promoted to auxiliary captain of the Philippine Coast Guard…
Posted by Philippine Star on Thursday, November 14, 2024
The donning and oath-taking ceremony was held at the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Headquarters, which was personally presided by Senator Robin Padilla and Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan, Commandant of the PCG.
The event was also attended by his loved ones, colleagues, and bosses, including his father Gerald Randolph Anderson Sr., his girlfriend Julia Barretto and her mother Marjorie Barretto, COO for broadcast of ABS-CBN Cory Vidanes, and Head of ABS-CBN International Production Ruel S. Bayani.
Anderson has since been recognized for his ongoing commitment to public service, previously being honored for his good samaritan deeds during the onslaught of typhoons this year.
He also received the “Search and Rescue” award from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in recognition of his heroic acts during the onslaught of Typhoon Carina last August.
As Auxiliary Captain, Anderson is expected to take on expanded responsibilities, particularly in fostering community partnerships and supporting the Coast Guard’s mission to ensure maritime safety, environmental protection, and humanitarian assistance.
In an interview with the press following the ceremony, Gerald expressed his pride and gratitude for the promotion and recognition.
“More than the rank, it’s just being here with amazing people. Na-recognize tayo ng idol natin sa ganitong sitwasyon and circumstances, di ba? Si Senator Robin Padilla pa yung nag-pass ng resolution for this to happen,” ABS-CBN quoted Anderson’s statement.
“It’s always good to be here with the Philippine Coast Guard, nakapagbigay tayo ng high morale sa kanila, pinaparamdam natin sa kanila na we appreciate them,” he added.
Anderson, now an auxiliary captain, reaffirmed his commitment to the PCG and shared his plans to establish a search-and-rescue squadron especially equipped for calamities. Reflecting on past challenges, he shared a story about improvising with an inflatable pool for rescue during Typhoon Carina.
“That’s the goal. To have a search and rescue na mas equipped and ready. Kung baga, kung nakita niyo nun sa video nung Typhoon Carina, gamit ko is inflatable pool kasi yun lang meron kami nung time na yun,” he shared.
Anderson hopes to inspire other celebrities to join the PCGA, leveraging their influence to provide more support for the Coast Guard.
“I also wanted to invite mga celebrity friends ko, mga kasama ko sa celebrity basketball. Ipapasok ko sila sa squadron, and they will also go through that (Water Search and Rescue) kind of training,” said Gerald.
His partner, Barretto, attended the ceremony and expressed pride in his commitment.
“More than anything, I’m very proud to have been part of the celebration, to witness this milestone for him. I am so proud of him because he really does his duties and really goes out there. Love to help,” she said.
Throughout the ceremony, where Gerald affectionately referred to Julia as his “secret weapon” and “better half”, the actress reacted, “I’m just really happy. I’m really happy to be by his side and grateful that I get to be a part of this.
“At the end of the day, I really am just his partner who will always have his back,” she added.
The couple, when asked about marriage, said they are enjoying the present, letting things unfold naturally.
“We’re just taking it day by day, being present and enjoying this time together. I love watching him achieve a lot more things and watch him live his dreams. There’s so much dreams that is outside industry that we’re in order already. In the right time. In God’s time,” she described their relationship.
ABS-CBN News also reported that the celebrity couple hinted at an upcoming project together involving the Coast Guard, though specifics remain under wraps.
